Kensington Runestone found
1898NotableContested
A Minnesota farmer unearths a stone with runes describing a Norse journey in 1362. Most runologists judge it a modern carving.
Contested history
Consensus: The Kensington Runestone, found on a Minnesota farm in 1898, bears a runic inscription dated 1362.
A 19th-century carvingEstablished
Most runologists and linguists point to runes and grammar that match 19th-century Scandinavian dialect rather than 14th-century usage.
A genuine record of a 1362 Norse expeditionMinority view
Supporters cite a 2000s geological weathering study, but it is contested and the linguistic case against authenticity is strong.
Community notes
Loading notes…
Learn more ranked by votes